Preparing for Chemo: Some Items to Remember

Chemotherapy is never an easy procedure to go through. It may only last a few hours in and of itself, but the side effects can last for days or weeks. These side effects can cause a lot of stress in life. Staying as comfortable as possible and having made plans are key to making chemotherapy an easier experience.

One precaution is to have an overnight bag packed. While on chemo, trips to the emergency room for sudden sickness are not uncommon. Having a bag packed with essentials in advance will help save stress if the time should arise. Pack things such as warm socks and slippers, at least two changes of underwear, pajamas, ear plugs, books and magazines, and a spare cell phone charger.

Have someone to drive you to and from treatments. You might feel fine immediately after the session, but you could still develop side effects such as fatigue on the way back home.

Keep your schedule clear in the hours after a session. It might be best to just go home and relax a bit after going through chemo. Also, you could develop fatigue out of nowhere. Keeping your schedule cleared will give you time to get some rest and adjust to any side effects.

Stock up on healthy foods in advance. Because fatigue can strike suddenly after chemo, having your grocery shopping done beforehand can save a lot of stress. Be sure to keep plenty of fruits, vegetables, and high-protein snacks on hand, too.

Cooking in advance can also help. Plan your meals out in advance and cook them before the session. Freeze them in the refrigerator and thaw them out as needed. This will save on energy after the chemo session is over.

Chemo is never easy, but with some advanced planning, the experience can become a lot more comfortable and bearable. If you ever want assistance with daily tasks after treatment, remember we’re here to help. We can help aid you in everyday tasks while you recover.